STAFF
Dina CastelluccioDirectorDina Castelluccio began her training in Connecticut at the Stratford Center for the Performing Arts. She went on to train at CT Dance Conservatory, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway and Dance New Amsterdam, where she trained with top NYC teachers. Dina is co-founder and artistic director of a contemporary company, Clarity in Motion, which has presented Falling Awake and Glass Houses. Her work as also been seen on stage at the Shakespeare Festival, as well as the Joyce Theater in NYC. She directed the musical theater show Broadway Babes and has performed in Broadway in the Park. She was a member of Millennium Dance Company for a year and a half, under the direction of Devin Pulls at Perri Studios, NYC. Dina has judged at numerous cities for the dance competition, National Dance showcase as well as taught master classes at their national convention.
After living in New York City for 6 years as a professional dancer, she is now pursuing her career in Los Angeles. She teaches throughout the Los Angeles County area and continues to teach and choreograph throughout Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Dina has won numerous choreography awards and her work as been asked to perform at The Battle of the Stars, Star Power National Talent Competition. Dina’s performing credits include, Fefe Dobson’s music video Boy Friend, “The View” for Hilary Duff and Nelly Furtatdo, as well as The International Dance Gala in NYC. |
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Karen NerkowskiDirectorKaren Nerkowski began her dance training in Connecticut and earned her BFA in Dance Performance and Elementary Education at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI. She has been teaching and producing award-winning choreography in the Tri-state area for 12 years. In addition to her teaching, Karen is co-director of the professional company CIM dance, which is based out of NYC/L.A.
Karen’s choreography has been presented at The Joyce Theater/Dancin’ Dowtown at the Joyce (NYC), Shakespeare Arts Festival (CT), Uptown Performance Series (NYC) and several showcases/evening length performances around NYC and CT including: Stratford Theatre (CT) and Bridge For Dance (NYC). Karen’s philosophy stems from her love of dance and the belief that all students have the ability to become dancers given the right tools and instruction. Karen motivates her students with the promise that with hard work, repetition, an open mind and a sense of humor anything is possible! |
Heather Adzima |
Kendra AlexanderKendra Alexander was born and raised in Savannah, Tennessee, and began dancing at the age of five under the direction of Brandi Franks. Trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theatre, she developed a strong technical foundation and love for performing early on.
By age ten, she earned a scholarship to the EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, and just two years later, was named Elite Protégé at The PULSE on Tour for a piece choreographed by Tucker Barkley. These opportunities allowed her to train and perform with top choreographers including Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Gregg Russell, and Barry Youngblood. A graduate of the University of Alabama’s Dance Department, Kendra has since choreographed award-winning routines for studios across the country. Now based in New York City, she continues to perform with professional companies, work as an assistant choreographer, and train at Broadway Dance Center and Peridance, sharing her passion and expertise with the next generation of dancers. |
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Jordan BerkmanJordan Berkman has been dancing since the age of four and is well-versed in a wide range of styles, specializing in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and street jazz. With over eight years of teaching experience, she brings both professional expertise and a passion for helping dancers of all ages grow in skill and confidence.
A graduate of Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester Program, Jordan is currently signed with Bloc Talent Agency and works closely with highly regarded choreographers and educators including Kyle Hanagami, Neil Schwartz, Hollywood, and Keenan Cooks. Her professional credits include Mean Girls: The Musical Movie (2024), YouTube Brandcast, Ban Deodorant, and Amika Hair campaigns, as well as live performances with Jordan Fisher, Madison Beer, Patrick Starrr, and Jon Batiste, among others. Jordan continues to pursue her professional dance career while sharing her knowledge, creativity, and industry insight with her students. |
Rae-Ann ThomasRae-Ann Thomas was raised in Massachusetts and began dancing at a young age. She is a graduate from Dean College receiving a Bachelorette of Arts degree in Dance and an Associates degree in Business. Directly after college she moved to New York; where she has lived for 5 years. Rae-Ann is teaching and setting choreography at various studios throughout the east coast. She judges for competitions all over the country and even internationally. While hustling in New York City Rae-Ann has gained knowledge about the dance industry through her consistent training in diverse styles. Rae-Ann has performed for choreographers such as Mike Esperanza, Teddy Tedholm, Bonnie O’Rourke, Ellie Sanna, Bryn Cohen, Chris Hale, Calen Kurka, Kristin Sudekis, Hannah Frederick, Rachel Hettinger, Sarah Richman and is a member of TedTed Performance Company, under the direction of Teddy Tedholm. Rae-Ann has presented work at showcases such as HATCH: presenting series, Pushing Progress, The Young Choreographers Festival, and Sans Limits Dance Series. Rae-Ann has also set work as an alumni for the Dean College Dance Department for many shows. Rae-Ann was apart of a winter residency at Salve Regina University teaching master classes as well as setting work for their spring concert. Rae-Ann has participated in the Gypsy Project LA a vigor improvisational base training program in Los Angeles in 2017. Rae-Ann was one of 23 dancers working along side rebounded named dancers and choreographer in the dance industry such as, Tilman O’Donnell, David Harvey, Medhi Walerski, Meg Lawson, Tom Weinberger, Lisette Bustamante, Jillian Meyers, Staci Flood-popp, and under the direction of Erica Sobol founder and creator of the Gypsy Project LA and Lobos art collective. Rae-Ann is a bright and optimistic person who brings positive energy into her work. Her taste for lightness, and comedic accents make her work relatable and unique. She hopes to inspire and motivate all humans with her distinct movement style.
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Jacinthe Bernard |
Nia Barnard |
Noel Barnard |
Stefania Braganca |
Lea Carrano |
Maria CherniskeIn addition to being a performer, Maria has taught dance to students of all ages for the past eighteen years. Following college, Maria continued her dance education at the Broadway Dance Center in New York where she is a guest instructor. She has trained closely under renowned teachers such as Rhapsody James, Luam Keflezgy, James Jackson Jr., Carlos Neto, Lisette Bustamante, Chonique Sneed and Dana Foglia.
Maria works with students of all ages and levels. She travels internationally to teach. In 2012 Maria was selected to be a mentor for the program Creating Opportunities (www.creatingopps.com) developed by world-renowned choreographers Lisette Bustamante and Chonique Sneed. Maria holds a B.A. in Psychology and Masters in Reading Education. She also holds a Connecticut Teaching Certificate and is certified through Fitness, Gymnastics and Acro federations (listed below). - AFAA Group Fitness Certified - bodyART Certified Instructor - Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED certified - ACRO levels 1-6 through USA Gymnastics - USA Gymnastics Safety Certified - Artistic Gymnastics Coach - State of Connecticut Certified Coach |
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Sidney ChoothesaSidney Choothesa is a dance instructor, choreographer, and performer originally from Bridgeport, CT. She grew up training at CT Dance Conservatory where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern,and hip hop. Sidney continued her dance training in Sacred Heart University’s Dance Company’s Professional Track. While in the dance program at SHU, Sidney was able to work closely with professionals such as Mike Esperanza, along with BARE dance company, Phil Orsano, Jesse Obremski, Matthew Westerby, Tiffanie Carson, and Tommy Scrivens. Through the SHU dance program she was also able to travel to Italy to dance and perform for the World Dance Movement where she won two scholarships from Michele Assaf and Desmond Richardson. Sidney also gained the opportunity to be a featured dancer in two musicals put on by SHU’s Theater Arts Program which are, “In the Heights” and “Hair”. After college, she taught at Sacred Heart University for the dance program and choreographed numerous pieces. Sidney is currently a dance instructor and choreographer for CT Dance Conservatory and a company member for “Matthew Westerby Company” where she continues to perform in numerous shows based in New York City.
Degrees and Certifications: BA in Media Arts Minor in Dance, Sacred Heart University |
Madison Correia |
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Lilly Courbron |
Sarah Daniel |
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Meghan DelPaineMeghan DelPaine has been teaching and choreographing throughout the tri-state area for over a decade. Her choreography has earned numerous regional and national awards, and she continues to inspire dancers with her creativity, precision, and passion for the art form.In addition to her studio work, Meghan has taught at renowned institutions including Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, and Peridance in New York City. She has also been part of the Alvin Ailey Summer Camp in Bridgeport for 12 years and has choreographed musicals for In The Spotlight, including Damn Yankees, Guys and Dolls, and The Music Man.
Meghan’s professional credits include performing with Connecticut Ballet in The Nutcracker and Cinderella at the Palace Theater and Bushnell Theater, as well as working with Northern Plains Dance in Bismarck, North Dakota, and Paula Brown’s Summer Dance Intensive at George Faison’s Firehouse Theater in Harlem. She has performed with and assisted choreographer Brice Mousset, including on an aerial adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Known for her calm, caring presence in the classroom, Meghan creates an environment where students feel supported, motivated, and confident. She believes in nurturing both strong technique and self-expression, helping each dancer discover their unique artistry. Meghan holds certifications from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and in Progressive Ballet Technique. |
Vienna DeRubis |
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Haili Fletcher |
Phoenix Goodman |
Bailey Harding |
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Kelsey Jacobsen |
Kelly KaletaGrowing up in Easthampton, MA, Kelly Kaleta began her training at the Hackworth’s School of Performing Arts and started teaching while she was attending Boston University. Focusing in tap, she has taught up and down the east coast and Canada for almost 20 years, choreographing, judging, and performing in many different venues. She is a founding member of “Off Beat,” a company created and directed by her former student Ryan P. Casey, as well as starting her own company “CounterpoinT,” an all female group based out of Norwalk, CT. You can also see her and her choreography in the award-winning movie “Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench” directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land). In 2006, she was a cast member of “Imagine Tap,” created and choreographed by Derick Grant and Aaron Tolson. She has been a faculty member and judge for Tap 2 You, Dance Masters of America, American Dance Awards, Tapademics and Kids for Kids. She has taught at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and Peridance in NYC. Other past performances include the Cape Dance Fest, Inside Out at Jacob’s Pillow, NYC Tap Festival, Break the Floor, Clara’s Dream: A Jazz Tap Nutcracker - performing with Drika Overton, Josh Hilberman, and Brenda Buffalino, Tapestry - produced by Dance Inn Productions, and others. Her own annual event, Tap it Up, is a one day workshop held every October in Stratford, CT. Believing that you never stop being a student, she continues to take classes and workshops to improve both her dancing and her teaching.
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Deanna Kracsewski |
Jaspar LawJaspar Law is a choreographer, dancer, and instructor from Stratford, Connecticut. He trained for twelve years at Connecticut Dance Conservatory (CDC), studying a range of styles and techniques under the mentorship of renowned artists including Neil Schwartz, Ian Eastwood, Megz Alfonzo, Jeka Jane, Mollee Gray, Juliette Irons, Bo Park, and Hayden Frederick.
Jaspar’s choreography has been featured in performances for Connecticut Dance Conservatory, Sacred Heart University, and The Lab Creative Space, as well as across his own creative platforms. He is also the founder of STU (Story-Tellers Unlocked), a collaborative studio project dedicated to creating meaningful, story-driven movement. In 2021, Jaspar released his first dance film, Glass Houses, on YouTube, showcasing his passion for combining cinematic storytelling with choreography. Known for his creativity, authenticity, and connection with his students, Jaspar continues to inspire dancers to express themselves through movement and artistry. |
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KellyAnn Lennon |
Lauren Maiolo |
Sara RenstromSara began dancing at a local Connecticut studio at the age of 4 where she trained for 14 years. There she was an assistant teacher for seven years and a member of their competition company for six years. Sara graduated from the Dean College School of Dance where she participated in numerous dance performances over her four years there. Additionally, Sara is an alumna of The Ailey School Summer Intensive and Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester. Throughout and following college, she taught and choreographed at local studios for their recreational and competition teams. For almost ten years, she was living and working full time in NYC while continuing her training at various studios in the city. Sara wanted to be a dance teacher from a young age and is thrilled to be back teaching in a studio environment. She strives to push dancers to their fullest potential and highlight their strengths in her choreography.
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Noel BernardNoel V. Bernard is a graduate of Fordham University in New York City and an accomplished alumnus of CT Dance Conservatory in Stratford, Connecticut, where he now shares his passion for dance as an instructor for adolescent and intermediate-level students.
Specializing in ballet, tap, and contemporary dance, Noel brings both artistry and technical expertise to every class he teaches. He has earned scholarships to prestigious programs including the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Summer Intensives and the Joffrey Ballet Summer Program, experiences that continue to inspire his approach to training young dancers. Noel’s performance background includes an appearance at the New York City celebration honoring Remy Charlip, renowned performer and co-founder of The Paper Bag Players, as well as walk-on performances at the Stratford Shakespeare Theater. |
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Charlotte StenzCharlotte Stenz began dancing at the age of three and trained as a competitive dancer at her home studio in Newtown, Connecticut. In high school, she was a member and captain of her dance team, leading them to multiple SWC and state championships.
Charlotte went on to attend The University of Alabama, where she earned degrees in Dance and Communication Studies. During her time there, she performed in productions directed by Cornelius Carter and Lawrence Jackson and was a member of the Alabama Dance Team, performing at football and basketball games and competing at UDA Nationals. After graduating, Charlotte began her teaching and choreography career, working with studios and dance teams throughout Connecticut and New York. She later signed her first professional dance contract performing aboard Celebrity Cruise Line, expanding her experience as a performer. Charlotte continues to pursue her professional dance career and is passionate about helping her students grow — building both their technique and their confidence through movement. |
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Caroline SheehanCaroline Sheehan is a dancer, choreographer, and educator based in New York City. She earned her BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo, where she was a member of the Zodiaque Dance Company. During her time at UB, her choreography was selected to represent the university’s Department of Dance at the American College Dance Festival.
Since graduating, Caroline has performed across New York City, including appearances at Dixon Place Theatre, Bridge for Dance’s “Uptown Rising,” Choreographer’s Carnival, and Arts On Site. Her additional credits include performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as a soloist with Balasole Dance Company at the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and in Starring Buffalo’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Caroline is currently a dancer with Emily Greenwell’s “CLOUDE” and a convention teacher and adjudicator for Dance Masters of America. She continues to work as a freelance performer and choreographer, sharing her artistry, professionalism, and passion for dance with the next generation of movers. |
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Jack MurphyJack Murphy is a dancer and choreographer originally from Novi, Michigan. He began his dance training at the age of six and went on to train as a trainee with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. Jack earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from The Juilliard School, where he performed works by renowned choreographers including Martha Graham, Ohad Naharin, Jack Ferver, Andrea Miller, and Bryan Arias.
Since graduating, Jack has performed with artists such as Matthew Westerby, Catherine Tharin, Jacqulyn Buglisi, and Sandra Parks, and his choreography has been featured in the Detroit Dance Festival, the SoloDuo Festival, and the Emerging Artists Festival. Jack brings a thoughtful, creative approach to both performance and teaching, inspiring his students to develop artistry, discipline, and a deep connection to movement. |
Kelsey JacobsonKelsey Jacobsen is a lifelong dancer, choreographer, and instructor from Dover, New Hampshire. She began training at the age of two and grew up studying ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. Kelsey went on to perform with Boston Community Dance Project under Skooj-Core-O for five seasons, where she refined her focus on contemporary and fusion-based movement and developed a passion for expressive, story-driven choreography.
Kelsey earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience on the Pre-Physician Assistant track from Sacred Heart University, where she was a member of the Dance Company’s Professional Track and performed with Inception, SHU’s hip hop crew. She was selected for SHU’s inaugural Choreographic Fellowship, creating original works for the company and exploring her artistic voice. Her choreography has been featured at the Young Choreographer’s Festival in New York City (2025) and at World Dance Movement in Castellana Grotte, Italy. This fall, Kelsey will be auditioning for Garet & Co, a professional dance company based in Northern Connecticut, as she continues to grow as both a performer and creator. Kelsey brings a blend of technical precision and creative insight to her teaching, inspiring students to connect movement with meaning while building confidence and artistry in every class. |
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Sarah PickelSarah Pickel is a dancer, choreographer, and educator originally from Stratford, Connecticut. She began her formal training at CT Dance Conservatory and went on to earn her BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield.
Throughout her career, Sarah has performed works by acclaimed choreographers including Sidra Bell, Beth Gill, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Maleek Washington, Juel D. Lane, and John Jasperse, among others. Her international experience includes traveling to Tel Aviv, Israel, for an International Field Study, where she performed in Project 48 with choreographer May Zahry and trained with Noa Wertheim and Adi Sha’al of Vertigo Dance Company. In Philadelphia, Sarah performed with AJ Harper Dance Project, participated in Philadelphia Musée de la Danse under Boris Charmatz, and interned with Waheed Works. She later served as a principal dancer and rehearsal director with Sonia Plumb Dance Company in Hartford, Connecticut. Beyond performance, Sarah is deeply engaged in the dance community as a national judge and Regional Director for Imagine Dance Challenge, and has also served as a judge for the World Dance Championships. Now based in Connecticut, she continues to teach, choreograph, and perform professionally in New York City, inspiring her students with artistry, professionalism, and a genuine love of dance. |
Madison Correia |
Deanna Kracsewski |
Vienna DeRubis |
Heather Adzima |
Haili Fletcher |
KellyAnn Lennon |
Bailey Harding |
Ashley RodgersonAshley Rodgerson is an acro and gymnastics instructor who brings a unique blend of athletic expertise, fun energy, and genuine care to every class she teaches. She began gymnastics at a young age and entered the world of competitive gymnastics by the age of nine, developing a strong foundation in strength, flexibility, and precision.
Ashley attended Coastal Carolina University and Southern Connecticut State University, graduating in 2009. Outside the studio, she is an employee at ESPN, where her professional experience reinforces her belief in the power of sports to build discipline, teamwork, and character - values she instills in her students each day. Known for her patient, encouraging teaching style and love for adventure, Ashley connects effortlessly with children, creating an environment that is both supportive and fun. Whether she’s coaching acro technique or spending time outdoors boogie boarding or hiking, Ashley’s enthusiasm and positivity inspire confidence and joy in every student she works with. |